The centerpiece of the San Jose Earthquakes off-season player acquisitions is without a doubt Jahmir Hyka. The Albanian international was the last to arrive at preseason camp, but it has been clear to all that general manager Jesse Fioranelli saved his best signing for last.
Hyka (pronounced “HEE-ka”) played the second half of the Quakes 4-1 victory over Sacramento Republic FC in the team’s last preseason match, maneuvering the ball with ease from his station in the midfield, and scoring an impressive goal off a one-time finish. When the 28-year-old was introduced earlier in the day to the media, Fioranelli couldn’t hide his excitement at adding Hyka to the team.